Valverde is ready for a huge battle

ATHLETIC BILBAO boss Ernesto Valverde says his team have prepared for Arsenal as if they were facing Real Madrid or Barcelona.

- By DARREN WELLS

ATHLETIC BILBAO boss Ernesto Valverde says his team have prepared for Arsenal as if they were facing Real Madrid or Barcelona.

And the Spaniard conceded his team must produce a “perfect performance” if they want to emerge from tonight's clash with anything to show for their efforts.

“When you're playing against one of the favourites to win the competition and the Premier League, you have to be very careful, take advantage of your opportunities and not concede too many,” he said.